10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Aurora, CO
If you’re looking for a place for your loved one to slow down and enjoy a more laid-back approach to life, Aurora, Colorado, won’t disappoint. The outdoors is truly something to behold year-round in Aurora, with majestic mountain settings and stunning, wide-open vistas. But it’s really the slower pace that makes the city a desirable location, bringing an influx of senior housing options for retirees.
One of those options is assisted living. In fact, there are currently 22 assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s partner network operating within a 10-mile radius of Aurora’s downtown center — all of which offer residents the opportunity to live independently, just with some assistance when necessary. Many also offer seniors the opportunity to age in place, providing not just assisted living but independent living and/or memory care on the same campus.
So many options can easily lead to analysis paralysis. Which community should you choose? That’s why A Place for Mom has put together this guide. In it, you’ll find details on assisted living communities, all ranked by various categories. You’ll also find information on payment options, local and state laws and regulations, transportation, and health care, as well as facts and details about living in Aurora and its surrounding area.
Aurora Assisted Living Facilities | 1021 Reviews
I would recommend the community to others, with the caveat that not everything promised will be delivered. The community is very nice but some things were promised that aren't being provided. In general, my...
I chose this facility due to access to the outside for the residents as well as the value for the money. All of my interactions have been positive.
It is very clean. They could improve on the consistency of care. I would caution people to look carefully regarding any assisted living facility.
Belleview Heights Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care
14500 E Belleview Ave, Aurora, CO 80015
Very kind and friendly staff. The residents span a range of dementia from moderate to more severe. The activity director works very hard to engage all residents in activities suited to their condition. Not...
There are issues in the dining room from time to time. We like that there are three different levels of care. Independent living, assisted-living and skilled nursing. My parents are in assisted living just...
Chelsea Place Memory Care has been a great fit for our Mother who has Alzheimer's. Making the decision to move her into memory care was difficult, but after seeing the improvement in her health and mood in...
As time goes by we are more and more happy with Garden Plaza. The majority of the staff is very experienced with the needs of the residents. The complex is laid out with a simple floor plan, wide halls,...
I like where I live I liked it since I moved in 3 years ago and you know it's like with any place you live or if you're working it's like any place you work it has it has its trying times but you know the...
My loved one has been here for nearly two years. The moment I moved her in, the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. They just do such an amazing job caring for people with memory care issues....
[name removed] was at assisted-living for about three days. He then wandered off and kind of got lost. So they had me use helping hearts at home or helping hands at home. I don't remember what your name was...
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They staff is SO accommodating and kind. The facility is extremely clean. Very happy with our choice to put our Father at Brookdale Lowry They have been fantastic!
Staff has been very helpful and worked to accommodate my mom's individual needs. Communication is very good, which I appreciate a lot. The facility is clean and welcoming. We would recommend this community...
My loved one is currently a resident at Serenity House II and most everything has been great for her there, so far. This facility leaves a very positive impression and my loved one has no complaints. Based...
This is a great start to find a place for a family member who needs cares for a positive quality of life. My sister loves Sprinbrock. They helped her adjust to the transfer from her condo to assisted living...
Overall we are pleased with Serenity House VIII, and based on the experience we have had so far we would definitely recommend this community to other families.
When it comes to the activities - we are awaiting new Memory Support Director, hoping to see more activities and more varied activities. For the value for cost, expensive, care varies depending on staffing...
She needs more people of their staff. They have nice activities, but ny cousin is in her 60ies, but there is nobody less than 70 and they are not easy to let anyone new in. They also don't celebrate all the...
I would rate each category with a 5. My mom is so well cared for and loved by the staff at Modena. She is happy, always dressed well and clean. I can't praise Modena enough for all they do for my mom! My...
My mom is a resident at CuraVistas. The building was bought by a new company and has vastly improved. The Executive Director Jamie Bird is friendly and helpful. They recently hired a new activities person...
I have nothing but good things to say about this care home. The caregivers are great the food is homemade and tastes good. They do offer some activities. The home is kept clean and I would recommend it.
Was comfortable with choice. Took awhile for my wife to adapt but now she's adapting well. She's well taken care of and is happy with the food. The caretakers are very caring to her and are helpful to me.
We chose Nora Personal Care because of the value for the money. What sticks out to me most is the staff, they are extremely friendly and helpful. I would recommend the facility to others looking.
Go to this place first, the care was wonderful. The caregivers were great to my dad, he looked looked cozy and his skin always had color. They put mats down to protect him when he was falling out of bed. ...
The staff is very nice. The home is nice and not crowded. The residents receive individualized care. The staff are accessible for questions or concerns about my loved one. We even receive texts and...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Aurora community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Aurora community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Aurora area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Aurora
- How people pay for assisted living in Aurora
- Understand Colorado laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What to expect from assisted living in Aurora
- Aurora assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
Costs of assisted living in the Aurora area
The cost of assisted living depends largely on the size of the apartment, the services and amenities offered, and the location of the community. Here in Aurora, expect to pay an average of $3,966 per month for one of our partner facilities, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes rent, associated fees, and service fee add-ons, as well as in-house care, medication management, and other care-related services at our partner communities. You may also find a move-in fee charged in some communities.
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the immediate area and do not always include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Aurora, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Aurora, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Aurora vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Aurora, CO by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Aurora over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Aurora
Recent reviews for assisted living in Aurora
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Blue Spruce Assisted Living Facility in Castle Rock, CO
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Aurora review score based on 214 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 214 reviews of 37 Aurora assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Aurora review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Aurora assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 214 reviews of 37 Aurora assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Aurora resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in Aurora
How to go about paying for assisted living will vary from one person to the next, often involving a combination of personal resources, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Here, you will find information about all of these payment options.
Most seniors moving to an assisted living community will likely rely at least partly on personal resources to cover the costs, such as Social Security benefits, retirement savings, retirement accounts, pensions, income generated by investments, or any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Aurora
About 19% of Aurora veterans are 75 and older
A number of VA benefits have been made available to eligible veterans thinking of making the move to an assisted living community in the Aurora area. While the VA Pension is the most obvious option, it would be advisable to look into the Aid & Attendance (A&A) pension as well. Paid in addition to the VA Pension, A&A has been earmarked for wartime veterans who require assistance in activities of daily life (i.e., bathing, grooming, eating).
If your loved one has a service-related disability or a condition made worse from service, he or she may also be eligible for VA Disability Compensation. This benefit can help cover the costs of both housing and care-related services. Depending on the level of aid and attendance required, additional monthly benefits may be available.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start — or whether your loved one is eligible. Veterans services officers are available to answer your questions and help you navigate the VA benefits system. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans can all provide guidance or connect you with a representative. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs can also offer further assistance.
Resources for Aurora veterans
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
155 Van Gordon St., Suite 201
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-914-5832
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Arapahoe County Veterans Service Office
15400 E. 14th Plaza
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-738-8045
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Lisa Rogers, veterans services officer
Contact: Josh Medina, veterans services officer
16070 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-680-6424
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans – Denver Regional Office
8720 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220
Phone: 720-379-3405
Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid program, can be of assistance in offsetting some costs associated with assisted living. If eligible, seniors can use the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver, one of the state’s home and community based services (HCBS) waiver plans, toward the cost of personal care services at home or an “alternative care” facility, such as an assisted living community. The waiver, however, won’t pay for room and board.
When ready to apply for Health First Colorado benefits, you can do so in one of four ways:
- Apply online through Colorado PEAK.
- Download the application and mail it to Health First Colorado at P.O. Box 35681, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.
- Drop off the application in person at the Arapahoe County Human Services, 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, CO 80012.
- Call the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing at 1-800-221-3943, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m
If you have questions about eligibility or need any assistance in applying for benefits, help is available. The Denver Regional Area Agency on Aging and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program can both ensure that your loved one gets the benefits he or she needs. An ombudsman is a trained volunteer and a necessary resource when you want all your Medicaid-related questions answered.
Aurora resident Medicaid resources
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-862-3524
Contact: Arapahoe County Ombudsman Shannon Gimbel
Most health insurance programs don’t cover assisted living, Medicare included. The program does help cover the costs associated with short-term in-home health care, inpatient hospital stays, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
The coverage also comes with a number of other services and resources that can be beneficial for seniors who’ve made the move to an assisted living community, including:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. QMB is Colorado State’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help offset the cost of copayments, premiums, deductibles, and prescription drugs for eligible seniors.
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program. QI is another of the state’s MSPs, but it’s only to help in paying Medicare Part B premiums.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program. As the name implies, SLMB is an MSP for low-income individuals to help in paying Medicare Part B premiums.
- Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Colorado SHIP offers one-on-one assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
- InnovAge Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. InnovAge is the local PACE program that offers care coordination, transportation, meals, and other services to eligible seniors.
Anyone who is 65 or older, as well as individuals with certain disabilities, can apply for health coverage through Medicare. For Aurora residents, you can do so by phone or in person at the Aurora Social Security Administration Office. Find the address and phone number below. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, contact either the Denver Regional Area Agency on Aging or Denver’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
Aurora resident Medicare resources
Aurora Social Security Administration Office
14280 E. Jewell Ave., Suite 250
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-862-3524
Contact: Arapahoe County Ombudsman Shannon Gimbel
Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program
1001 17th St., Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-480-6835
InnovAge Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly
3551 N. Chambers
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 720-664-5455
Understand Colorado laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In the state of Colorado, assisted living communities must be licensed by the Department of Public Health and Environment prior to operation. An assisted living license is valid for one year. Once licensed, communities are then subject to regular inspections and then are eligible to extend their license up to another three years. You can review past inspection reports on the Department of Public Health and Environment website.
Inspections of assisted living communities are a bit more thorough than those conducted for other residential rental properties, as the focus isn’t just on the facility itself — though that, too, is an aspect. Inspectors are making sure all standards are being met for licensure. For example, assisted living communities must meet all staffing requirements, including a full-time administrator, someone qualified to administer medication, and sufficient staff to provide care.
If certified as an alternative care facility (i.e., one with a Medicaid contract), then the community must maintain a 1:10 ratio of staff to residents during the day and 1:16 during the evening. If a secured facility, which would be a community that also provides memory care, the ratio drops to 1:6.
In addition to staffing requirements, licensed assisted living communities must also meet certain training requirements for administrators and personal care staff alike. And if also offering memory care, then that training must include a dementia component, usually through the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association.
Apart from the standards set by the Department of Public Health and Environment to operate as an assisted living community, owners and operators must abide by the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means no one can discriminate against your loved one or offer less favorable terms and conditions if he or she is part of a protected class. Also, reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with disabilities. Chances are good that these accommodations have already been made, as the community is offering assisted living. But it’s still important to keep this in mind should a doorway need to be widened to accommodate a wheelchair or grab bars installed for someone with a mobility issue.
Colorado Department of Health contact information
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek S. Drive
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Aurora assisted living facilities
Currently, Aurora has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living communities. It’s important to note, however, that a given community may institute its own guidelines, which may include:
Vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is encouraged but not required.
Masking. Wearing a mask is encouraged but not required in public spaces.
Facility cleanliness. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and common-use items are recommended.
Social distancing. Communities should encourage residents to practice behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
What to expect from assisted living in Aurora
Assisted living communities make it possible for seniors to live independently, even when they require some assistance from time to time. Perhaps it’s gotten difficult to get dressed in the morning; someone on staff will be there to lend a helping hand. However, assisted living is more than just personal care. As the Gateway to the Rockies, Aurora and its surrounding communities offer residents a myriad of other services, activities, and amenities that will allow your loved one to live just as rich of a life as they would if they were still living at home.
Always something to do
One of the things you should know about the assisted living communities in Aurora is that your loved one will rarely find themselves bored. Day trips and outings are a common occurrence, so expect to visit the likes of the Aurora History Museum, Vintage Theatre, Colorado Freedom Memorial, or even Heirlooms Antique Mall. The same can be said for live musical performances that are brought in. Seniors can also take part in art classes, trivia games, barbecues, picnics, and holiday parties. And if they’re really looking for an opportunity to socialize, a number of our partner communities schedule regular happy hours for residents.[01]
Whatever ails you
Personal care is the main service offered at assisted living communities. The staff is there to offer assistance. But medical-related services are also provided at many of the communities in our partner network. More than 75% of facilities make available visiting occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Even more communities have a visiting podiatrist that your loved one can see. And while half of the communities staff an on-site nurse, others will bring in visiting nurses and doctors.[01]
When wanting to age in place
Making the move to an assisted living community is often a big decision, and while there are two stand-alone assisted living communities in our partner network, most others are combined with other care types:
- 3 combination independent living and assisted living facilities
- 5 combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities
- 5 combination assisted living and memory care
- 7 group homes, which are residential homes providing an even more intimate, personalized experience
Within a 25-mile radius of downtown Aurora, your loved one has even more options:
- 13 stand-alone assisted living facilities
- 5 combination assisted living and independent living facilities
- 15 combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
- 23 combination assisted living and memory care facilities
- 8 group homes
Aurora assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Aurora assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Aurora assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Aurora assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Aurora assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Aurora assisted living
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See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Aurora
Median annual income for Aurora seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Aurora
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is an academic hospital, ranked nationally in diabetes and endocrinology; ear, nose, and throat; gastroenterology; pulmonology; and rheumatology. The facility is considered high performing in five specialties and 17 procedures/conditions.
The Medical Center of Aurora
Though UCHealth receives much praise in the area, The Medical Center of Aurora (TMCA) is known for its care delivery in a number of areas. This acute care hospital has been ranked as high performing in heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Kindred Hospital Aurora
Kindred Hospital Aurora is an acute, long-term care facility that offers a range of services such as cardiac care, comprehensive rehabilitation, post-trauma, and stroke care.
Transportation for seniors in Aurora
Being a relatively big city (it’s the third largest in Colorado), Aurora isn’t known for its public transportation. Its transit score is just 35 out of 100.[06] The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates one light-rail line and various bus routes throughout the city. If 65 and older, your loved one is eligible for a 50% discount with a Senior Special Discount Card.
Fortunately, the assisted living communities in our partner network make it very easy for your loved one to get around. Nearly three-quarters of them offer complimentary transportation. If not, at-cost transportation might be an option, as half of the communities offer at-cost transportation.[01]
That option will likely come by way of Access-a-Ride, which is a ride-share service established by RTD. You’ll need to apply prior to scheduling a ride, but it’s a fairly easy process and comes with a subsidy of up to $25. The Seniors’ Resource Center also operates a no-cost ride-share service for anyone 60 or older. The only drawback is that trips must be within a 10-mile radius of Aurora and are only available between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Aurora offers two more private non-emergency transportation services: PrimeCare Colorado and A1 Medical Transportation. These companies focus on meeting a wide range of mobility requirements by offering ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher assistance. Their specialized services ensure they can cater to diverse mobility needs effectively.
If your loved one moves to an assisted living community in the neighborhoods of Northwest Aurora, Del Mar Parkway, Dayton Triangle, or Village East, a ride might not be needed at all. Each neighborhood ranks between 74 and 61 for its walkability on a scale of 0 to 100. Then, of course, there’s always the option of using two wheels. The city does have some bike infrastructure, with a bikeability score of 53.[06]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Aurora
As mentioned before, moving your loved one to assisted living is a big decision — even more so when that move entails relocating to an entirely new city. Rest assured, Aurora can truly offer something for everyone. Its tight-knit community, rich history, and diversity make the area a welcoming place to call home. Plus, there’s rarely a dull moment if you take advantage of the many parks, events, and attractions around town.
Cherry Creek State Park, for one, is a must-visit. The views alone are worth the trip, but there are also miles of multi-use trails, horseback riding, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, and more. But Cherry Creek is only one of over 100 parks in the area. Choose from Aqua Vista, Appaloosa, Aurora Reservoir, Bicentennial, Jewell Wetlands, and Quincy Reservoir, which offer everything from sailing and kayaking to outdoor pools and tennis courts.
History buffs, meanwhile, may be interested in the Plains Conservation Center, which offers guided tours of a homestead village and tipi camp (both of which are replicas) and an education center to learn more about the area. There’s also a host of other historical sites, like the Coal Creek Schoolhouse, Centennial House, Gully Homestead House, and the Delaney Round Barn. Admission is free.
Anyone looking to take in the arts may be interested in Art in Public Places, a program that has brought more than 300 pieces of art from local and national artists into and all around the city. If your loved one would rather not walk from location to location, consider checking out The People’s Building or Aurora Cultural Arts District. Both hold regular gallery exhibits, with the latter also scheduling live performances and offering opportunities to make a purchase or two.
Shoppers will delight in the options available. The Stanley Marketplace is a must. Not only will you find an array of unique and locally owned shops that stock clothes, gifts, and more, but you can also take an exercise class, get your hair done, and feast on a number of different cuisines at one of the many restaurants and eateries. Southlands is another local retail option. But much like the Stanley Marketplace, there’s much more to offer. Musical performances, a “wine walk,” and a farmers’ market are just a few of the attractions you can expect at this shopping center.
If you’d rather have a low-key day with your loved one, the Aurora Center for Active Adults can certainly oblige. Adults 50 and older can take part in fitness classes, crafts, bingo, day trips, line dancing, and more. The center also offers a number of seminars on a variety of topics. It wouldn’t hurt to check the schedule to see what’s available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Greenwood Village, Brookdale Pinehurst Park and Brookdale Lowry are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Aurora, CO. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Aurora is $4,961 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). UCHealth University of Colorado.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Medical Center of Aurora.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Aurora.
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